Multifunctional solid-state light bulb

ABSTRACT

A multifunction solid-state light bulb comprising a dome-shape lamp with a solid-state semiconductor light source and an extendable bulb neck that may transform bulb into a flashlight, and having multiple modes on direct current and alternating current.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/623,362 titled “MULTIFUNCTIONAL SOLID-STATE LIGHT BULB”, filed onJun. 14, 2017, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patentapplication 62/412,228, titled “MULTIFUNCTIONAL SOLID-STATE LIGHT BULB”,which was filed on Oct. 24, 2016, the entire specification of each ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Field of the Art

The disclosure relates to the field of light bulbs, and moreparticularly to a solid-state lighting (SSL) light bulb with anextendable bulb neck and multiple mode functions.

Discussion of the State of the Art

In the field of solid-state lighting (SSL) light bulbs, typical SSLlight bulbs run on a direct current (DC) electrical power supply and anappropriate driver to convert alternating current (AC) to DC. Generally,these light bulbs can only serve in one function as either an emergencylight or a household light. SSL light bulbs are typically notinterchangeable as a household light bulb and as a flashlight.

What is needed is an SSL light bulb that functions on both AC power andDC power, can be used indoors equally as well as outdoors, and can workinterchangeably as a light bulb and a flashlight; thereby minimizing theneed for multiple SSL lights for each function.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the inventor has conceived and reduced to practice, asolid-state lighting (SSL) light bulb that has multiple lightingfunctions (modes), and an extendable handle so that a person may use thelight bulb as a flashlight in an emergency situation.

According to one aspect, a multifunctional solid-state light bulb,comprising: a hollow body portion having a domed shape and formed of amaterial having sufficient transparency to allow at least partialtransmission light from a light source placed within the hollow bodyportion, and comprising a plurality of external features configured todirect the operation of the light bulb, and comprising an internal powersupply; a bulb neck extension comprising a tubular portion of a rigidmaterial and a bulb plug end configured to be mated to an external bulbsocket, wherein the tubular portion is configured to conceal at least aportion of the external features of the hollow body portion while in aclosed position and expose those same features while in an extendedposition; and a bulb cover that is affixed to a head of the light bulb,comprising a material configured to allow at least partial lighttransmission; a solid-state semiconductor light source; a lockingmechanism comprising a base for the device that can be adjusted alongthe bulb neck extension to lengthen the light bulb; and wherein theplurality of external features comprise at least a clickable button thatenables and disables the internal power supply when pressed, isdisclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The accompanying drawings illustrate several aspects and, together withthe description, serve to explain the principles of the inventionaccording to the aspects. It will be appreciated by one skilled in theart that the particular arrangements illustrated in the drawings aremerely exemplary, and are not to be considered as limiting of the scopeof the invention or the claims herein in any way.

FIG. 1, is a diagram illustrating an exemplary concept FIG. 1A and FIG.1B of a light bulb structure, according to one aspect, illustrating allcomponents of an assembled light bulb.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary light bulb neck extension,illustrating a flashlight function of the light bulb, according to oneaspect.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary lamp cover, according toone aspect.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary lamp of a light bulb,according to one aspect.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary neck cap, according to oneaspect.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary locking mechanism,according to one aspect.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary extendable bulb neck,according to one aspect.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screw cap base, accordingto one aspect.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screw cap cover, accordingto one aspect.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary solid-state semiconductorlight, according to one aspect.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary state diagram illustrating a default modefunction, according to one aspect.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary state diagram illustrating direct current modefunctions, according to one aspect.

FIG. 13 is another exemplary state diagram illustrating two modefunctions while bulb is installed in a fixture, according to one aspect.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary method diagram illustrating two more modefunctions while bulb is installed in a fixture, according to one aspect.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an abstraction of an exemplary powermanagement circuit arrangement that may be used in the operation of amultifunctional solid-state light bulb, according to one aspect.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an abstraction of an exemplary modemanagement circuit arrangement that may be used in the operation of amultifunctional solid-state light bulb, according to one aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventor has conceived, and reduced to practice, a multi-functionalsolid-state lighting light bulb, that may be used on either alternatingcurrent or direct current, and may be used as a flashlight or as anemergency light or an indoor household light interchangeably.

One or more different aspects may be described in the presentapplication. Further, for one or more of the aspects described herein,numerous alternative arrangements may be described; it should beappreciated that these are presented for illustrative purposes only andare not limiting of the aspects contained herein or the claims presentedherein in any way. One or more of the arrangements may be widelyapplicable to numerous aspects, as may be readily apparent from thedisclosure. In general, arrangements are described in sufficient detailto enable those skilled in the art to practice one or more of theaspects, and it should be appreciated that other arrangements may beutilized and that structural, logical, software, electrical and otherchanges may be made without departing from the scope of the particularaspects. Particular features of one or more of the aspects describedherein may be described with reference to one or more particular aspectsor figures that form a part of the present disclosure, and in which areshown, by way of illustration, specific arrangements of one or more ofthe aspects. It should be appreciated, however, that such features arenot limited to usage in the one or more particular aspects or figureswith reference to which they are described. The present disclosure isneither a literal description of all arrangements of one or more of theaspects nor a listing of features of one or more of the aspects thatmust be present in all arrangements.

Headings of sections provided in this patent application and the titleof this patent application are for convenience only, and are not to betaken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

Techniques and mechanisms described or referenced herein will sometimesbe described in singular form for clarity. However, it should beappreciated that particular aspects may include multiple iterations of atechnique or multiple instantiations of a mechanism unless notedotherwise. Process descriptions or blocks in figures should beunderstood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code whichinclude one or more executable instructions for implementing specificlogical functions or steps in the process. Alternate implementations areincluded within the scope of various aspects in which, for example,functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed,including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending onthe functionality involved, as would be understood by those havingordinary skill in the art.

Conceptual Architecture

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary concept FIGS. 1A, 1B of amultifunctional light bulb structure 100, according to one aspect,illustrating all parts 150, 160 of an assembled light bulb with 150illustrating an aerial view of an assembled light bulb. According to theaspect 160, a light bulb lamp 101 may comprise a generally dome-typebulb having solid walls (generally forming an A-shape frame, however itshould be appreciated that other final lamp shapes may be used accordingto a desired arrangement or use case, such as using a spiral lamp shapeor a candle lamp shape, or other shape) formed of solid, opaque oreither fully or partially translucent or transparent material such asmetal or plastic, and configured to enclose a light source (FIG. 10)within lamp 101 when assembled; and configured to contain cut-out spaces106 a-n for various arrangements and configurations of sensors, ports,signals, or buttons (it should be appreciated that other ports such as aMicro-DVI, HDMI, or other port types may be used according to a desiredarrangement or use case, and that the physical arrangement of ports mayvary) to control enclosed light source (FIG. 10). Lamp 101 is configuredfor cut-out spaces 106 a-n for sensors such as an ambient light sensorfor multifunction modes (FIG. 13), ports such as USB for connecting to asystem for charging or other uses, signals such as to indicate thatcharging is in progress or complete, and buttons such as could be usedfor mode or power selection, for example to select different brightnessor color settings, strobe effects or other pulse or interval-basedlighting behaviors, or to alter the polarity of connectors to externalpower to accommodate various light bulb sockets that may be encountered.It should be appreciated that other ports such as Micro-DVI, HDMI, orother port types may be used according to a desired arrangement or usecase; as it should also be appreciated that other signals may be usedsuch as low battery signal or other signal may be used according to adesired arrangement or use case, and that the physical arrangement ofsuch features may vary).

Further according to the aspect, a lamp cover 102 may comprise agenerally rounded shape having semi-translucent or translucent wallsformed of a material such as glass or plastic, and configured to fit ontop of lamp 101 to further enclose light source (FIG. 10). Attached tobase of lamp 101 is locking mechanism 103, formed of a solid materialsuch as metal or plastic (it should be appreciated that other bases fora light bulb lamp such as a heatsink or ballast housing may be usedaccording to a desired arrangement or use case). Extendable bulb neck105 runs through center of locking mechanism 103 and lamp 101; bulb neck105 may comprise a generally tubular shape having solid walls formed ofa material such as plastic with a threaded base for attaching to screwcap base 104. Screw cap base 104 may comprise generally tubular shapesealed at one end and containing threads, having solid walls formed of amaterial such as metal (generally forming an E27 Edison screw, howeverit should be appreciated that other final screw cap bases may be usedaccording to a desired arrangement or use case, such as an E26 MediumEdison Screw (MES) or a BA22d Bayonet Mount cap (BC), or other screw capbase). Also according to the aspect 150, aerial view of assembled lightbulb 100 shows buttons 106 a-n are raised from lamp 101 for an easieruse case (it should be appreciated that buttons may be level with lampbody according to a desired arrangement or use case). Lamp cover 110attaches to lamp, allowing light transmission through top of bulb 111.

Materials used, and arrangements thereof, in the construction of amultifunctional solid-state light bulb 100 may be selected andconfigured in such a way as to be flame, dust, shock, or water-resistantto various standardized protocols, according to a particular arrangementor use case. For example, materials may be selected that areflame-retardant and electrically-insulating by nature, and constructionmay be configured to include seals or tight tolerances in various keyareas to prevent the ingress of dust or water.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary light bulb neck extension200, illustrating a flashlight function of the light bulb, according toone aspect. According to the aspect, locking mechanism 201 moves alongbulb neck 202 to extend bulb to desired length for use as a flashlight.Extendable bulb neck 202 attaches to screw cap base 203 allowing for anextended bulb in a lamp or wall socket. According to variousarrangements or configurations, neck extension 200 may be used tooptionally cover or reveal buttons, ports, or other features 106 a-n,for example so that when bulb neck extension 200 is in a retracted orclosed position, the general shape and appearance of the bulb 100 isthat of a traditional light bulb without noticeable external features(as may be suitable for closely fitting in specific types of sockets, orin close spaces originally designed for standard light bulbs), and thenby extending or opening bulb neck extension 200, the ports, buttons, andother features 106 a-n may be revealed while simultaneously forming anextended handle or grip for use as a flashlight, placing the now-exposedcontrols in a suitable location for manual operation while using thebulb 100 as a flashlight. In this manner, bulb 100 may be configured tobe suitable in use cases designed to accommodate traditional light bulbswithout compromising functionality, while also being configured toprovide a suitably convenient flashlight mode of operation by extendingthe bulb neck extension 200 when desired.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an abstraction of an exemplary powermanagement circuit arrangement that may be used in the operation of amultifunctional solid-state light bulb, according to one aspect.According to the aspect, a power switching circuit 1501 may be used toselect between an internal power source such as a battery 1510 and anexternal power supply 1520 such as a light bulb socket or power outlet.Power switching may be directed automatically by a power detectioncircuit 1502 that may detect external power connections and selectexternal power 1520 when available, falling back to internal power 1510when external power is unavailable, or power switching may be performedmanually using a button 1503 to select a power source. For example, morethan one power source may be connected at a time, and a user maymanually select which power to use via a clickable button or toggle1503, for example in some arrangements that may use internal andexternal power that provides different voltages, which may affect thelight produced by a light emitter 1530 used in the solid-state bulb. Forexample, some handheld flashlights in the art may use multiple types ofinternal replaceable battery for power, with the voltage of the batteryused affecting the brightness of the light output, giving users theoption of using high-performance batteries such as 3-volt or higherlithium batteries for brighter light, or more commonly-availablelow-voltage alkaline batteries (commonly around 1.5 volts) for the sakeof availability. Another use for button 1503 may be to select thepolarity or other behavior of an external power connection 1520, forexample to accommodate light bulb sockets that may have the leadsconnected in a different order or to accommodate international travelwhere external power connections may adhere to differing standards.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an abstraction of an exemplary modemanagement circuit arrangement that may be used in the operation of amultifunctional solid-state light bulb, according to one aspect.According to the aspect, a physical button 1601 may be used to controlthe operating mode of a multifunctional solid-state light bulb, forexample by allowing a user to press button 1601 a number of times inseries as detected by a counting circuit 1602 to select an operatingmode (as described previously, with reference to FIGS. 11-14). Forexample, a number of presses may be detected by click counter 1602 andused to trigger a strobe modulation circuit 1603 to direct a lightemitter 1604 to operate in a pulsing, flashing, or other output pattern,for example by modulating the input from a power source 1606.Additionally, a series or combination of presses may be used to triggeran audible alarm using an audio emitter 1605, for example to trigger anemergency mode with an audible alarm and a flashing light pattern suchas to signal “SOS” via Morse code, as described in FIG. 12. In thismanner, various patterns and combinations of short, long, or repeatedactivations of button 1601 may be used to select various visual andaudible operations of a multifunctional solid-state light bulb,according to various configurations.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary lamp cover 300, accordingto one aspect. According to the aspect, lamp cover 300 is generallyrounded 301 and is comprised of a solid, fully or partially translucentor transparent material such as glass or plastic to allow transmissionof a light source (FIG. 10). Lamp cover 300 comprises straight sides 302underneath rounded dome 301 with two cut-out spaces 303 for attaching tolamp (FIG. 4). Straight sides 302 slide into lamp (FIG. 4) while cut-outspaces 303 attach to sides of lamp covering light source (FIG. 10).

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary lamp 400 of a light bulb,according to one aspect. According to the aspect, lamp 401 may comprisea generally dome-type shape formed of a solid, opaque or either fully orpartially translucent or transparent material such as metal or plasticand configured to enclose a light source (FIG. 10) and an extendablebulb neck (FIG. 7). Lamp 401 comprises cut-out spaces 402 for sensors,ports, buttons, and signals. Spaces 402 may comprise but are not limitedto ambient light sensor, mode selection button, USB port, and batterycharge signal when bulb is fully assembled. Lamp 401 base narrows downto terraced levels 403, 404, and 405 each slightly narrower than theprevious. Locking mechanism (FIG. 6) connects to lamp 401 at level 403by securely attaching to level 404 with latches 603. Extendable bulbneck (FIG. 7) runs up lamp 401 through level 405 while attaching tolocking mechanism (FIG. 6) to secure neck (FIG. 7) to bulb when fullyassembled.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary neck cap 500, according toone aspect. According to the aspect, neck cap 501 may comprise agenerally round shape comprised of a solid, opaque or either fully orpartially translucent or transparent material such as metal or plasticthat securely attaches to extendable bulb neck (FIG. 7) at cut-outspaces 701 with latches 503. Neck cap 501 has a circular cut-out space502 preventing an airtight seal and serving to release heat from lightsource (FIG. 10).

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary locking mechanism 600,according to one aspect. According to the aspect, locking mechanism 601may comprise a solid, opaque or either fully or partially translucent ortransparent material such as metal or plastic and connects to lamp 401at level 403 by securely attaching to level 404 with latches 603.Extendable bulb neck (FIG. 7) runs up through center of lockingmechanism 601; locking mechanism base 602 locks into place at latch 702on bulb neck (FIG. 7). Fins 604 are located between latches 603 andserve to disperse heat within locking mechanism 601.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary extendable bulb neck 700,according to one aspect. According to the aspect, bulb neck 700 maycomprise a solid, opaque or either fully or partially translucent ortransparent material such as metal or plastic with two cut-out spaces701 for neck cap (FIG. 5) to lock into. Bulb neck 700 comprises a slotor groove 703 that locking mechanism (FIG. 6) may slide along to adesired length for an extended bulb or flashlight function (FIG. 2).Locks 702 are located at intervals alongside slot or groove 703 forlocking mechanism (FIG. 6) to securely lock into place once desiredlength is reached. Bulb neck base 705 contains threads 704 to securelyattach to screw cap base (FIG. 8).

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screw cap base 800,according to one aspect. According to the aspect, screw cap base 801 maycomprise a generally tubular shape with a contact base 803 andcontaining threads 802, having solid walls formed of a material such asmetal (screw cap base may form an Edison screw or Bayonet Mount, orother screw cap base). Screw cap base 801 is threaded 802 so thatextendable bulb neck (FIG. 7) may attach to screw cap base securely.Located on bottom of screw cap base 801 is contact base 803 for contactwith electrical sockets.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screw cap cover 900,according to one aspect. According to the aspect, screw cap cover 901may be comprised of a solid insulating material such as plastic. Screwcap cover 901 contains a neutral contact base 902 to prevent electricaldischarge from screw cap base (FIG. 8). Threads 903 allow screw capcover 901 to attach to screw cap base (FIG. 8).

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary solid-state semiconductorlight 1000, according to one aspect. According to the aspect, lightsource 1000 may be comprised of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 1002arranged on a circular base 1001. Base 1001 fits inside lamp (FIG. 4)between lamp cover (FIG. 3) and neck cap (FIG. 5).

FIG. 11 is an exemplary state diagram illustrating a default modefunction 1100, according to preferred embodiment. According to theaspect, light bulb 1101 starts in an off state 1102; to turn bulb 1101on 1103, mode selection button must be held for three seconds and thenpressed once to place bulb 1101 into default mode on alternating current(AC) 1104. In the event of a power failure 1105, bulb 1101 switches todefault mode on direct current (DC) via battery power 1106. Bulb 1101will charge automatically on AC when installed into a fixture that isturned on 1107. In the event battery power is low 1108, it may becharged three different ways 1109; automatic battery charge on AC via afixture that is on, battery can charge when bulb is connected to asocket via micro USB port, and/or battery charges while bulb is turnedoff by turning fixture off and then back on within three seconds.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary state diagram illustrating direct current modefunctions 1200, according to one aspect. According to the aspect, lightbulb 1201 starts in an off state 1202; user may push mode selectionbutton one time 1203 to turn bulb on 1204. In cases of emergency where aflare is needed, user may press mode selection button two times 1205 andbulb will enter a strobing light pattern 1206. In cases of emergencywhere an emergency signal is needed, user may press mode selectionbutton three times 1207 and bulb will enter an SOS quick flash and soundan alarm 1208 (it should be noted that pressing mode button a fourthtime will return bulb to off state 1202).

FIG. 13 is another exemplary state diagram illustrating two modefunctions while bulb is installed in a fixture 1300, according to oneaspect, illustrating both mode functions 1310, 1320. According to theaspect 1310, light bulb 1301 starts in an off state 1302 in a lightfixture. From off state 1302 mode selection button is held down forthree seconds, resulting in a beep from bulb 1301, and then modeselection button is pressed once 1311. Bulb will beep once 1312 moreindicating mode has been selected and bulb is turned to an on state1313. In the event of a power failure 1314 bulb will relight via batterypower while remaining in light fixture 1315. According to the aspect1320, light bulb 1301 starts in an off state 1302 in a light fixture.From off state 1302 mode selection button is held down for threeseconds, resulting in a beep from bulb 1301, and then mode selectionbutton is pressed twice 1321. Bulb will beep twice 1322 more indicatingmode has been selected and bulb remains in an off state 1323. In theevent of a power failure 1324 bulb will turn on via battery power 1325while remaining in a light fixture.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary method diagram illustrating two more modefunctions 1400, according to one aspect, illustrating both modefunctions 1410, 1420. According to the aspect 1410, light bulb 1401starts in an off state 1402. From off state 1402 mode selection buttonis held down for three seconds, resulting in a beep from bulb 1401, andthen mode selection button is pressed three times 1411. Bulb will beepthree times 1412 indicating mode has been selected. Lighting of bulb inthis mode depends on presence of ambient light 1413. If ambient light ispresent, bulb will remain off 1414. In the event of a power failure1415, bulb will switch functionality to battery power 1416. If there isno ambient light present, bulb will turn on 1417. Bulb will check forambient light every four hours 1418 while in this mode, regardless of apower failure or not. According to the aspect 1420, light bulb 1401starts in an off state 1402. From off state 1402 mode selection buttonis held down for three seconds, resulting in a beep from bulb 1401, andthen mode selection button is pressed four times 1421. Bulb will beepfour times 1422 indicating mode has been selected and bulb remains in anoff state 1423. In the event of a power failure 1424, bulb will flashintermittently while sounding an alarm for one minute in duration 1425.Continuation of flash and alarm depends on the restoration of power1426. If power is restored, bulb will cease intermittent flash and alarm1427. If power has not been restored, bulb will continue to issue analarm and intermittent flash for a one minute duration, every fiveminutes 1428 until power is restored 1426.

The skilled person will be aware of a range of possible modifications ofthe various embodiments described above. Accordingly, the presentinvention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

1. A multifunctional solid-state light bulb, comprising: a hollow bodyportion having a domed shape and formed of a material having sufficienttransparency to allow at least partial transmission light from a lightsource placed within the hollow body portion, and comprising a pluralityof external features configured to direct the operation of the lightbulb, and comprising an internal power supply; a bulb neck extensioncomprising a tubular portion of a rigid material and a bulb plug endconfigured to be mated to an external bulb socket, wherein the tubularportion is configured to conceal at least a portion of the externalfeatures of the hollow body portion while in a closed position andexpose those same features while in an extended position; and a bulbcover that is affixed to a head of the light bulb, comprising a materialconfigured to allow at least partial light transmission; a solid-statesemiconductor light source; a locking mechanism comprising a base forthe device that can be adjusted along the bulb neck extension tolengthen the light bulb; and wherein the plurality of external featurescomprise at least a clickable button that enables and disables theinternal power supply when pressed.
 2. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising a plurality of threads affixed or integrally-formed as aportion of the bulb neck extension, and a screw cap base configured tobe threaded into the bulb neck extension.
 3. The device of claim 2,wherein the screw cap cover comprises a neutral contact base to preventdischarge of electrical current from the device to a user.
 4. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the bulb cover is configured to allow transmissionof light within a specific frequency range.
 5. The device of claim 1,wherein the bulb cover is configured to allow transmission of light witha specific degree of diffusion.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein theexternal features comprise at least an electronic communication port. 7.The device of claim 6, wherein the electronic communication port is aUSB port.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the USB port is configuredto charge the internal power supply.
 9. The device of claim 1, whereinthe external features comprise at least a sensor configured to detectthe extended state of the bulb neck extension, and configured to enableand disable the internal power supply based on the detected extensionstate.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the external features compriseat least a selector control configured to direct the polarity ofconnectors to an external power supply.
 11. The device of claim 10,wherein the selector control is a physical toggle.
 12. The device ofclaim 10, wherein the selector control is a multi-position switch.